Cross dressing - only wrong when serious?

[Momo-P]

The Bible clearly states that cross dressing is wrong (Deuteronomy 22:5), but we often overlook it in certain situations. Since I was just watching a bit of Ouran today, I couldn't help but ask if this is alright.

Is it ok to overlook cross dressing if it's a joke? Is it only something to be concerned about if the person is using it to change their gender? Not to mention, what about the weird exceptions? Mulan did it to save her father's life, but is it still wrong even when justified?

Just asking. XD

[ChristianKitsune]

I think that in most cases, one answer can be used to describe certain sitations.

I believe that God knows our hearts and he knows the reasons why we do certain things.

I also think that in everything we do, we should bring Honor and Glory to God. Is cross dressing honoring? I wouldn't think so...but again, who am I to judge?

here's a question for you: What denotes femine clothes, and what denotes men's clothes?

In certain cultures men wear robes and kilts. These resemble dresses...but they are intended for men.

Women wear jeans and shirts. somtimes they wear men's sizes because they like the bagginess of them...

[beau99]

I personally have nothing wrong with cross-dressing of any type.

But that's just this young man's opinion.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

here's a question for you: What denotes femine clothes, and what denotes men's clothes?

In certain cultures men wear robes and kilts. These resemble dresses...but they are intended for men.

Women wear jeans and shirts. somtimes they wear men's sizes because they like the bagginess of them...

I was actually going to bring this up. Let's say there's some hypothetical culture out there where the men wear what we would perceive to be "women's clothing", and the women wear what we would call "men's clothing". Does that really make them wrong? Not necessarily.

Granted I don't know if the bible verse means it in terms of "What your culture defines", but I really can't see that being all too likely.

[Debitt]

Apart from the things MSP and ChristianKitsune have already touched on:

Remember that the passage come from Deuteronomy, and while I'm not an authority on the Old Testament by any means, I'd wager you're looking at Mosaic law, which was meant for the Hebrew people. Thus, it should be taken in context of Old Testament Hebrew culture. From that same chapter:

"Deuteronomy 22:12; Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear."

Hop to, guys.

EDIT: Not saying that one should discount the Old Testament entirely, of course, but should look at it through the scope of Christ's new covenant instead of taking everything at face value.

[Doubleshadow]

I think motivation counts for a lot. Cross-dressing because you want to be the other gender would signify a form of envy, jealousy, or coveting. At the very least its ingratitude and possibly serious emotional or psychology disorders that need treated, not reinforced.
As far as goofing off or theater, etc., I would check convictions and whether or not you are bringing glory or honor to God.

[Momo-P]

As far as goofing off or theater, etc., I would check convictions and whether or not you are bringing glory or honor to God.

I know what you're saying, but then again...is it even possible to bring glory to God by watching anime (or any non-Christian show) at all? I mean, many anime may have bad things in them, but as an overall item? They really don't mock God or anything, so they're not dishonorable in that sense, but at the same time they're not productive for your spiritual growth.

[Doubleshadow]

They really don't mock God or anything, so they're not dishonorable in that sense, but at the same time they're not productive for your spiritual growth.

Says who? I have had a lot of thought provoking moments from anime that resulted in spiritual growth. Most specifically, contrasting just what anime characters meant when they said someone was their lord versus what I meant when I said Jesus was my Lord. It made me realize I used that word because I was supposed to, not because I really understood all it means.
Plus, people are often surprised when I say I'm a Christian who likes anime. It's a good conversation starter for witnessing and discipling.

[Ingemar]

I was actually going to bring this up. Let's say there's some hypothetical culture out there where the men wear what we would perceive to be "women's clothing", and the women wear what we would call "men's clothing". Does that really make them wrong? Not necessarily.

Granted I don't know if the bible verse means it in terms of "What your culture defines", but I really can't see that being all too likely.

*is wondering if he should point out the irony to newbies*

[Momo-P]

Says who? I have had a lot of thought provoking moments from anime that resulted in spiritual growth. Most specifically, contrasting just what anime characters meant when they said someone was their lord versus what I meant when I said Jesus was my Lord. It made me realize I used that word because I was supposed to, not because I really understood all it means.
Plus, people are often surprised when I say I'm a Christian who likes anime. It's a good conversation starter for witnessing and discipling.

I guess that's a good point. I know two series I really love are Dragon Ball and Slayers, but I can't help but always note how our God is so much different from the one/s of those worlds. I mean, the Lord of Nightmares pretty much learned good and evil from her own creation...that's pretty bad.

Though even if thoughtful moments do arise and I can use anime as a teaching device, how much does that even happen? Not very often. Most shows are indeed watched for one purpose only and that's entertainment. Sure we can be reminded of stuff during shows (most anime focus on good VS evil), but you'll always have those moments that are just...there. They aren't really good or evil, they're just moments of life happening. Like Azumanga Daioh.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

The problem lies in guys wanting to be girls and girls wanting to physically be guys. I think doing it for a laugh isn't Biblically wrong.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Says who? I have had a lot of thought provoking moments from anime that resulted in spiritual growth. Most specifically, contrasting just what anime characters meant when they said someone was their lord versus what I meant when I said Jesus was my Lord. It made me realize I used that word because I was supposed to, not because I really understood all it means.
Plus, people are often surprised when I say I'm a Christian who likes anime. It's a good conversation starter for witnessing and discipling.

Interesting, I thought I was the only one who has experienced this! (Paranoia Agent comes into mind) XD

[tokiklok]

i think when you cross then line is when you finally decide to be a transexual but cross dressing i dont think it's wrong i mean it's just clothes

[rii namuras]

[color="Red"]("Cross-dressing" is really defined by culture more than anything, taking aside wanting to become that gender rather than just wearing the other gender's clothes.)

(I think it's safe to say most type of clothes in the U.S. don't have a distinction. There's dresses, of course, and probably a few other things that I can't think of. I don't think a girl can really cross-dress in the U.S., unless we're talking Men's department Women's department sort of cross-dressing, in which case us poor souls who like pockets in our pants are eternally condemned.)[/color]

[termyt]

First of all, please understand that we are not subject to the Mosaic laws, but live free in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the same reason you are allowed to enjoy a shrimp dinner, you may cross-dress.

However, we should perhaps note that some Christians do not allow women to wear pants even though simply wearing pants does not hide ones gender. Pants are men’s cloths, so women must not wear them.

That said, it is important to attempt to understand the reason for the prohibition. I believe the law is intended as the others have suggested – it is a prohibition form maliciously hiding your true nature from others (and even yourself) and may indicate a behavioral problem. You probably would have a hard time glorifying God while attempting to fool them into believing you are of the opposite gender. In my mind, that puts transsexuals and transgendering on shaky footing. However, there could also be good reasons for doing so, it’s just not something I would do lightly.

I have no concerns what-so-ever of dressing in costume for the simple enjoyment of it at a party or some other appropriate social occasion.

[Maledicte]

Back in the 1700s, men wore high heels and lace. Nowadays some men wear tight pants and makeup. Are they crossdressing? Same thing with women who wear jeans or suits. Are they crossdressing, too? Or is this something only directed towards men?

It's funny how "crossdressing" usually means a man dressed in a feminine manner, rather than the other way around.

[Sakura15]

Interesting, I thought I was the only one who has experienced this! (Paranoia Agent comes into mind) XD

Yaay! im not the only one either XD

[Jon Clement]

I have to ask... WHY on earth does God care so much about cross-dressing? That verse pertains to women too, so, girls, if you wear pants, you're going to hell.

[Stephen]

Hey, wow Jon. Way to not read any of the posts after the first one and look silly. Keep posting like that, and I will consider you a troll and you will be dealt with as such.

[Jon Clement]

I'm not trolling. I'm asking valid questions and making valid points. Doesn't the bible say to prove all things? Besides, I'm just quoting what the bible says. That passage she gave says cross-dressers, male or female, are an abomination, and I just want to know why. Is that so wrong?

[Stephen]

You know what your doing. And you know why you're doing it. So don't play dumb. Follow the sites rules, and things can go peachy.

[Jon Clement]

Of course I know what I'm doing and why I do it. I tell you the truth, I have no ulterior motive.

[Debitt]

Several members have already given answers to the questions posed. I suggest in particular you read termyt's, if no one else's.

[Jon Clement]

Man, why is it always "Old testament"? It makes no sense at any time in history. And no eating shrimp? Why not? Perfect laws don't change. Also, by your logic, you are saying we're free to be homosexual if we want, too.

[Stephen]

And moving on. (Don't feed the trolls folks lol)